Surface cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning apparatus includes an upright body and a base adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured to clean multiple surfaces, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet cleaning, dry vacuum cleaning, and self-cleaning. Methods for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/346,382, filed Jun. 14, 2021, which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/016,824, filed Sep. 10, 2020, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/734,708, filed Jan.6, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/789,661, filed Jan. 8, 2019, all of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Multi-surface vacuum cleaners are adapted for cleaning hard floorsurfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such ascarpet and upholstery. Some multi-surface vacuum cleaners comprise afluid delivery system that delivers cleaning fluid to a surface to becleaned and a fluid recovery system that extracts spent cleaning fluidand debris (which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and otherdebris) from the surface. The fluid delivery system typically includesone or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, afluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to becleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluidfrom the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. An agitator can beprovided for agitating the cleaning fluid on the surface. The fluidrecovery system typically includes a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacentthe surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recoverytank through a working air conduit, and a source of suction in fluidcommunication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluidfrom the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the workingair conduit to the recovery tank. Other multi-surface cleaningapparatuses include “dry” vacuum cleaners which can clean differentsurface types, but do not dispense or recover liquid.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A surface cleaning apparatus is provided herein. In certain embodiments,the surface cleaning apparatus is a multi-surface wet vacuum cleanerthat can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwoodand soft floor surfaces such as carpet.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a surface cleaning systemincludes a surface cleaning apparatus having an upright body comprisinga handle and a frame, a base assembly coupled with the upright body andadapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a moveable jointassembly configured to mount the base assembly to the upright body,wherein the upright body is pivotable via the moveable joint assemblybetween an upright storage position and a reclined use position, a fluiddelivery system comprising a supply tank removable from the baseassembly, a pump, and a fluid distributor, a recovery system comprisinga recovery pathway, a recovery tank removable from the base assembly, asuction nozzle, and a vacuum motor, a removable brushroll cover creatinga brushroll chamber when the removeable brushroll cover is operablycoupled to the base assembly, a brushroll mountable within the brushrollchamber and disposed adjacent the suction nozzle and fluid distributor,a brushroll motor operably coupled to the brushroll for rotating thebrushroll, wherein the suction nozzle is configured to extract fluid anddebris from the brushroll, and a rechargeable battery, operablyconnected to at least one controller, configured to selectively energizeeach of the pump, the vacuum motor, and the brushroll motor during anunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation, and a storage trayconfigured to dock the surface cleaning apparatus, the storage traycomprising at least one charging contact. The at least one controller isconfigured to initiate the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation, and during the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation the at least one controller is configured to determine whetherthe surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storage tray,determine a fluid level of the supply tank and a fluid level of therecovery tank, and determine a battery level for the rechargeablebattery. The at least one controller is configured to prevent executionof the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation when any of thefollowing conditions are met: the surface cleaning apparatus is notdocked with the storage tray; or the battery level of the rechargeablebattery is below a minimum charge threshold.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a surface cleaning systemincludes an upright body comprising a handle and a frame, a baseassembly coupled with the upright body and adapted for movement across asurface to be cleaned, a moveable joint assembly mounting the baseassembly to the upright body, wherein the upright body is pivotable viathe joint assembly between an upright storage position and a reclineduse position, a fluid delivery system comprising a supply tank removablefrom the base assembly, a pump, and a fluid distributor, a recoverysystem comprising a recovery pathway, a recovery tank removable from thebase assembly, a suction nozzle, and a vacuum motor, a removablebrushroll cover creating a brushroll chamber when the removeablebrushroll cover is operably coupled to the base assembly, a brushrollmountable within the brushroll chamber and adjacent the suction nozzleand the fluid distributor, at least one controller configured toinitiate a unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation, and abrushroll motor operably coupled to the brushroll for rotating thebrushroll, wherein the suction nozzle is configured to extract fluid anddebris from the brushroll during the unattended automatic cleanout modeof operation. During the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation, the at least one controller is configured to determine afluid level of the supply tank and a fluid level of the recovery tank,energize the pump to spray cleaning liquid from the supply tank onto thebrushroll, energize the brushroll motor to rotate the brushroll, andenergize the vacuum motor to extract cleaning liquid and flush out aportion of the suction nozzle. The at least one controller is furtherconfigured to end execution of the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation when any of the following conditions are met: the fluid levelof the supply tank is below a minimum threshold; or the fluid level ofthe recovery tank is above a maximum threshold.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a surface cleaningsystem including a surface cleaning apparatus having an upright bodycomprising a handle and a frame, a base assembly coupled with theupright body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, amoveable joint assembly mounting the base assembly to the upright body,wherein the upright body is pivotable via the joint assembly between anupright storage position and a reclined use position, a fluid deliverysystem comprising a supply tank removable from the base assembly, apump, and a fluid distributor, a recovery system comprising a recoverypathway, a recovery tank removable from the base assembly, a suctionnozzle, and a vacuum motor, a removable brushroll cover creating abrushroll chamber when the removeable brushroll cover is operablycoupled to the base assembly, a brushroll mountable within the brushrollchamber and adjacent the suction nozzle and fluid distributor, at leastone controller configured to initiate an unattended automatic cleanoutmode of operation, a brushroll motor operably coupled to the brushrollfor rotating the brushroll, wherein the suction nozzle is configured toextract fluid and debris from the brushroll during the unattendedautomatic cleanout mode of operation, and a rechargeable battery,operably connected to the at least one controller, configured toselectively energize each of the pump, the vacuum motor, and thebrushroll motor during the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation, and a storage tray configured to dock the surface cleaningapparatus, the storage tray comprising at least one charging contact.The upright body has at least one corresponding charging contactconfigured to couple with the at least one charging contact of thestorage tray when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with thestorage tray. During the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation, the at least one controller is configured to determine afluid level of the supply tank and a fluid level of recovery tank anddetermine a battery level for the rechargeable battery. The at least onecontroller is further configured to execute the unattended automaticcleanout mode of operation when the fluid level of the supply tank isabove a minimum threshold and the fluid level of the recovery tank isbelow a maximum threshold, wherein during the unattended automaticcleanout mode of operation, the at least one controller is furtherconfigured to control the fluid delivery system and the recovery systemby energizing the pump without the vacuum motor being energized,energizing the brushroll motor, and energizing the vacuum motor afterthe pump is energized, whereby cleaning liquid is extracted anddeposited into the recovery tank and at least a portion of the suctionnozzle is flushed out.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following description of particularembodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawingsand appended claims.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any referenceto claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to includeany one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z,for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus accordingto one embodiment of the invention, showing the apparatus in an uprightor storage position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the surface cleaning apparatus fromFIG. 1 , showing the apparatus in a reclined position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus takenthrough line III-III of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of a base of thesurface cleaning apparatus, showing details of one embodiment of a wheelfor the base.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base, with portion of the basepartially cut away to show internal details of the base;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section VI of FIG. 3 , showing a forwardsection of the base including details of a brushroll, brush chamber, anda rigid interference wiper;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the base of thesurface cleaning apparatus, showing details of one embodiment of aremovable nozzle assembly;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of one end of the brushroll, showing detailsof one embodiment of a latch for the brushroll for the apparatus;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the base, showing details ofone embodiment of a mating component for the brushroll latch of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a partially-exploded perspective view of the base, showingone embodiment of a drive transmission operably connecting the brushrollto a brush motor, and in which a portion of the base has been removed inorder to better show the transmission;

FIG. 11 is a partially-exploded rear perspective view of the surfacecleaning apparatus, showing one embodiment of a supply tank, receiver,and supply tank latch for the surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of section XII of FIG. 3 , showing thesupply tank and supply tank latch of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a recovery tank for thesurface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through the recovery tank of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a liquid level sensingsystem for the surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 16A is a sectional view showing portions of a recovery pathway anda motor cooling air path of the apparatus;

FIG. 16B is a sectional view showing portions of a recovery pathway anda motor cooling air path of the apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a partially-exploded rear perspective view of the surfacecleaning apparatus, showing portions of a working air exhaust path and amotor cooling air path of the apparatus;

FIG. 18 is a schematic control diagram for the surface cleaningapparatus;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus 10 docked witha storage tray according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of thesurface cleaning apparatus docked with the storage tray, taken throughline XX-XX of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of thesurface cleaning apparatus taken through line XXI-XXI of FIG. 19 ,showing a shielded electrical contact of the apparatus;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the storagetray taken through line XXII-XXII of FIG. 19 , showing a shieldedelectrical contact of the tray;

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate a docking operation of the surface cleaningapparatus with the storage tray;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the storage tray from FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram for the surface cleaning apparatus, showing acondition when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storagetray for recharging;

FIG. 28 shows the block diagram of FIG. 27 in a condition when thesurface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storage tray in aself-cleaning mode; and

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing one embodiment of a self-cleaning methodfor the surface cleaning apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, whichmay be in the form of a multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner.

The functional systems of the surface cleaning apparatus can be arrangedinto any desired configuration, such as an upright device having a baseand an upright body for directing the base across the surface to becleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to awheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable device adapted to be handcarried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a commercialdevice. Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include aflexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working airconduit between a nozzle and the suction source. As used herein, theterm “multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner” includes a vacuum cleaner thatcan be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood andsoft floor surfaces such as carpet.

The cleaner can include a fluid delivery system for storing cleaningfluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned anda recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris fromthe surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid anddebris.

The recovery system can include a suction nozzle, a suction source influid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working airstream, and a recovery container for separating and collecting fluid anddebris from the working airstream for later disposal. A separator can beformed in a portion of the recovery container for separating fluid andentrained debris from the working airstream. The recovery system canalso be provided with one or more additional filters upstream ordownstream of the motor/fan assembly. The suction source, such as amotor/fan assembly, is provided in fluid communication with the recoverycontainer and can be electrically coupled to a power source.

The suction nozzle can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted tomove over the surface to be cleaned. An agitator can be providedadjacent to the suction nozzle for agitating the surface to be cleanedso that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle. Theagitator can be driven by the same motor/fan assembly serving as thesuction source, or may optionally be driven by a separate driveassembly, such as a dedicated agitator motor as shown herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus 10according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed infurther detail below, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 is provided withvarious features and improvements, which are described in further detailbelow. One example of a suitable surface cleaning apparatus in which thevarious features and improvements described herein can be used isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,155, issued Oct. 9, 2018, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As illustrated herein, the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be anupright multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner having a housing that includesan upright handle assembly or body 12 and a cleaning head or base 14mounted to or coupled with the upright body 12 and adapted for movementacross a surface to be cleaned. For purposes of description related tothe figures, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,”“front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 from theperspective of a user behind the surface cleaning apparatus 10, whichdefines the rear of the surface cleaning apparatus 10. However, it is tobe understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The upright body 12 can comprise a handle 16 and a frame 18. The frame18 can comprise a main support section supporting at least a supply tank20 and a recovery tank 22, and may further support additional componentsof the body 12. The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a fluiddelivery or supply pathway, including and at least partially defined bythe supply tank 20, for storing cleaning fluid and delivering thecleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery pathway,including and at least partially defined by the recovery tank 22, forremoving the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to becleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris until emptied bythe user.

The handle 16 can include a hand grip 26 and a trigger 28 mounted to thehand grip 26, which controls fluid delivery from the supply tank 20 viaan electronic or mechanical coupling with the tank 20. The trigger 28can project at least partially exteriorly of the hand grip 26 for useraccess. A spring (not shown) can bias the trigger 28 outwardly from thehand grip 26. Other actuators, such as a thumb switch, can be providedinstead of the trigger 28.

The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include at least one userinterface 30, 32 through which a user can interact with the surfacecleaning apparatus 10. The at least one user interface can enableoperation and control of the apparatus 10 from the user's end, and canalso provide feedback information from the apparatus 10 to the user. Theat least one user interface can be electrically coupled with electricalcomponents, including, but not limited to, circuitry electricallyconnected to various components of the fluid delivery and recoverysystems of the surface cleaning apparatus 10, as described in furtherdetail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus 10includes a human-machine interface (HMI) 30 having one or more inputcontrols, such as but not limited to buttons, triggers, toggles, keys,switches, or the like, operably connected to systems in the apparatus 10to affect and control its operation. The surface cleaning apparatus 10also includes a status user interface (SUI) 32 which communicates acondition or status of the apparatus 10 to the user. The SUI 32 cancommunicate visually and/or audibly, and can optionally include one ormore input controls. The HMI 30 and the SUI 32 can be provided asseparate interfaces or can be integrated with each other, such as in acomposite use interface, graphical user interface, or multimedia userinterface. As shown, the HMI 30 can be provided at a front side of thehand grip 26, with the trigger 28 provided on a rear side of the handgrip 26, opposite the HMI 30, and the SUI 32 can be provided on a frontside of the frame 18, below the handle 16 and above the base 14, andoptionally above the recovery tank 22. In other embodiments, the HMI 30and SUI 32 can be provided elsewhere on the surface cleaning apparatus10. One example of a suitable HMI and/or SUI is disclosed in U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/747,922, filed Oct. 19, 2018, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Either user interface30, 32 can comprise a proximity-triggered interface, as described in the'922 application.

The HMI 30 can include one or more input controls 34, 36 in registerwith a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) within the hand grip 26.In one embodiment, one input control 34 is a power input control whichcontrols the supply of power to one or more electrical components of theapparatus 10, as explained in further detail below, one of which may bethe SUI 32. Another input control 36 is a cleaning mode input controlwhich cycles the apparatus 10 between a hard floor cleaning mode and acarpet cleaning mode, as described in further detail below. One or moreof the input controls 34, 36 can comprise a button, trigger, toggle,key, switch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one example,one or more of the input controls 34, 36 can comprise a capacitivebutton.

The SUI 32 can include a display 38, such as, but not limited to, an LEDmatrix display or a touchscreen. In one embodiment, the display 38 caninclude multiple status indicators which can display various detailedapparatus status information, such as, but not limited to, batterystatus, WiFi connection status, clean water level, dirty water level,filter status, floor type, self-cleaning, or any number of other statusinformation. The status indicators can be a visual display, and mayinclude any of a variety of lights, such as LEDs, textual displays,graphical displays, or any variety of known status indicators.

The SUI 32 can include at least one input control 40, which can beadjacent the display 38 or provided on the display 38. The input control40 can comprise a self-cleaning mode input control which initiates aself-cleaning mode of operation, as described in further detail below.The input control 40 can comprise a button, trigger, toggle, key,switch, or the like, or any combination thereof. In one example, theinput control 40 can comprise a capacitive button.

The surface cleaning apparatus 10 can include a controller 308 (FIG. 3 )operably coupled with the various functional systems of the apparatus,including, but not limited to, the fluid delivery and recovery systems,for controlling its operation. A user of the apparatus 10 can interactwith the controller 308 via one or more of the user interfaces 30, 32.The controller 308 can further be configured to execute a cleanout cyclefor the self-cleaning mode of operation. The controller 308 can havesoftware for executing the self-cleaning cycle.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2 , a moveable joint assembly 42 can beformed at a lower end of the frame 18 and moveably mounts the base 14 tothe upright body 12. In the embodiment shown herein, the upright body 12can pivot up and down about at least one axis relative to the base 14.The joint assembly 42 can alternatively comprise a universal joint, suchthat the upright body 12 can pivot about at least two axes relative tothe base 14. Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity,air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 14 and the uprightbody 12, or vice versa, and can extend though the joint assembly 42.

The upright body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 42, to an uprightor storage position, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1 , in whichthe upright body 12 is oriented substantially upright relative to thesurface to be cleaned and in which the apparatus 10 is self-supporting,i.e. the apparatus 10 can stand upright without being supported bysomething else. A locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided to lockthe joint assembly 42 against movement about at least one of the axes ofthe joint assembly 42 in the storage position, which can allows theapparatus 10 to be self-supporting. From the storage position, theupright body 12 can pivot, via the joint assembly 42, to a reclined oruse position, in which the upright body 12 is pivoted rearwardlyrelative to the base 14 to form an acute angle with the surface to becleaned. In this position, a user can partially support the apparatus byholding the hand grip 26. Another example of a reclined position isshown in FIG. 2 , in which the upright body 12 can pivot further to atleast partially rest on a floor surface.

In one embodiment, a bumper 44 is provided on a rear side of the uprightbody 12, for example at a lower rear side of the frame 18 and/or belowthe supply tank 20, to prevent scratching the floor surface when theupright body 12 is reclined. The provision of the bumper 44 can alsoprevent damage to the apparatus 10 or the floor surface if the apparatus10 tips backwards when in the storage position. The bumper 44 can bemade from a softer or more pliable material than the material for theframe 18 or housing of the upright body 12, i.e. a material that has alower Young's modulus. In one example, the bumper 44 can be made from anelastomeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, such asethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or nitrile rubber, while theframe 18 is made from a harder and/or stiffer plastic material, such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC).

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus 10through line FIG. 1 . The supply and recovery tanks 20, 22 can beprovided on the upright body 12. The supply tank 20 can be mounted tothe frame 18 in any configuration. In the present embodiment, the supplytank 20 can be removably mounted at the rear of the frame 18 such thatthe supply tank 20 partially rests in the upper rear portion of theframe 18 and is removable from the frame 18 for filling. The recoverytank 22 can be mounted to the frame 18 in any configuration. In thepresent embodiment, the recovery tank 22 can be removably mounted at thefront of the frame 18, below the supply tank 20, and is removable fromthe frame 18 for emptying.

The fluid delivery system is configured to deliver cleaning fluid fromthe supply tank 20 to a surface to be cleaned, and can include, asbriefly discussed above, a fluid delivery or supply pathway. Thecleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids,including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrateddetergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example,the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.

The supply tank 20 includes at least one supply chamber 46 for holdingcleaning fluid and a supply valve assembly 48 controlling fluid flowthrough an outlet of the supply chamber 46. Alternatively, supply tank20 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containingwater and another chamber containing a cleaning agent. For a removablesupply tank 20, the supply valve assembly 48 can mate with a receivingassembly on the frame 18 and can be configured to automatically openwhen the supply tank 20 is seated on the frame 18 to release fluid tothe fluid delivery pathway.

The recovery system is configured to remove spent cleaning fluid anddebris from the surface to be cleaned and store the spent cleaning fluidand debris on the surface cleaning apparatus 10 for later disposal, andcan include, as briefly discussed above, a recovery pathway. Therecovery pathway can include at least a dirty inlet 50 and a clean airoutlet 52 (FIG. 1 ). The pathway can be formed by, among other elements,a suction nozzle 54 defining the dirty inlet, a suction source 56 influid communication with the suction nozzle 54 for generating a workingair stream, the recovery tank 22, and at least one exhaust vent definingthe clean air outlet 52.

The suction nozzle 54 can be provided on the base 14 can be adapted tobe adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 14 moves across asurface. A brushroll 60 can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle54 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is moreeasily ingested into the suction nozzle 54. While ahorizontally-rotating brushroll 60 is shown herein, in some embodiments,dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotatingbrushrolls, or a stationary brush can be provided on the apparatus 10.

The suction nozzle 54 is further in fluid communication with therecovery tank 22 through a conduit 62. The conduit 62 can pass throughthe joint assembly 42 and can be flexible to accommodate the movement ofthe joint assembly 42.

The suction source 56, which can be a motor/fan assembly including avacuum motor 64 and a fan 66, is provided in fluid communication withthe recovery tank 22. The suction source 56 can be positioned within ahousing of the frame 18, such as above the recovery tank 22 andforwardly of the supply tank 20. The recovery system can also beprovided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream ofthe suction source 56. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, apre-motor filter 68 is provided in the recovery pathway downstream ofthe recovery tank 22 and upstream of the suction source 56. A post-motorfilter (not shown) can be provided in the recovery pathway downstream ofthe suction source 56 and upstream of the clean air outlet 52.

The base 14 can include a base housing 70 supporting at least some ofthe components of the fluid delivery system and fluid recovery system,and a pair of wheels 72 for moving the apparatus 10 over the surface tobe cleaned. The wheels 72 can be provided on rearward portion of thebase housing 70, rearward of components such as the brushroll 60 andsuction nozzle 54. A second pair of wheels 74 can be provided on thebase housing 70, forward of the first pair of wheels 72.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the base 14. Inone embodiment, the wheels 72, or rear wheels, can comprise an outeredge or rim 76 which holds a tread 78. The rim 76 has a width W1 and thetread 78 has a width W2, as shown in FIG. 4 . The tread 78 can benarrower than the rim 76, i.e. W2<W1, to reduce the contact width of thewheel 72 on the surface to be cleaned. The contact width of the wheel 72can therefore be <W2. For example, a substantially flat tread 78 canprovide a contact width substantially equal to the width of tread, i.e.substantially equal to W2, while a tread 78 with a curved or angledshape can provide a contact width somewhat less than the width of tread78, i.e. <W2. The narrow tread 78 therefore reduces the occurrence andappearance of streaks on a cleaned floor surface which are caused by thewheels 72 rolling on the wet floor surface. Optionally, the tread 78 canbe overmolded onto a crown 80 of the rim 76.

The wheels 72 can further include a hub 82 connected with the rim 76 andwhich receives an axle 84 on which the wheel 72 rotates. The axles 84can be coupled with the base housing 70, and can further be coupled withrear housing extensions 86 of the base housing 70, to which a yoke 88 ofthe joint assembly 42 couples to pivot up and down relative to the base14. The axles 84 can couple to an outer side of the housing extensions86, while the yoke 88 couples to an inner side of the housing extensions86. Optionally, the flexible conduit 62 can pass between the housingextensions 86 can up through the yoke 88.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base 14, with portion of thebase 14 partially cut away to show some internal details of the base 14.In addition to the supply tank 20 (FIG. 3 ), the fluid delivery pathwaycan include a fluid distributor 90 having at least one outlet forapplying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In oneembodiment, the fluid distributor 90 can be one or more spray tips 92 onthe base 14 configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the surface to becleaned directly or indirectly by spraying the brushroll 60. Otherembodiments of fluid distributors 90 are possible, such as a spraymanifold having multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spraycleaning fluid outwardly from the base 14 in front of the surfacecleaning apparatus 10.

The fluid delivery system can further comprise a flow control system forcontrolling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 20 to the fluiddistributor 90. In one configuration, the flow control system cancomprise a pump 94 which pressurizes the system. The trigger 28 (FIG. 1) can be operably coupled with the flow control system such thatpressing the trigger 28 will deliver fluid from the fluid distributor90. The pump 94 can be positioned within a housing of the base 14, andis in fluid communication with the supply tank 20 via the valve assembly48. Optionally, a fluid supply conduit can pass interiorly to jointassembly 42 and fluidly connect the supply tank 20 to the pump 94. Inone example, the pump 94 can be a centrifugal pump. In another example,the pump 94 can be a solenoid pump having a single, dual, or variablespeed.

In another configuration of the fluid supply pathway, the pump 94 can beeliminated and the flow control system can comprise a gravity-feedsystem having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the supply tank20, whereby when valve is open, fluid will flow under the force ofgravity to the fluid distributor 90.

Optionally, a heater (not shown) can be provided for heating thecleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface tobe cleaned. In one example, an in-line heater can be located downstreamof the supply tank 20, and upstream or downstream of the pump 94. Othertypes of heaters can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaningfluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway forthe suction source 56 of the recovery system.

The brushroll 60 can be operably coupled to and driven by a driveassembly including a dedicated brushroll motor or brush motor 96 in thebase 14. The coupling between the brushroll 60 and the brush motor 96can comprise one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys or combinationsthereof. Alternatively, the vacuum motor 64 (FIG. 3 ) can provide bothvacuum suction and brushroll rotation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing 70 comprises a rearhousing 98 which contains the pump 94 and the brush motor 96. Theflexible conduit 62 can pass between the pump 94 and the brush motor 96,and can generally bisect the rear housing 98 into a pump cavity 100 anda brush motor cavity 102. The rear housing extensions 86 can extendrearwardly from the rear housing 98. A wiring conduit (not shown) canprovide a passthrough for electrical wiring from the upright body 12 tothe base 14 through joint assembly 42. For example, the wiring can beused to supply electrical power to the pump 94 and brush motor 96.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section VI of FIG. 3 , showing a forwardsection of the base 14. The brushroll 60 can be provided at a forwardportion of the base 14 and received in a brush chamber 104 on the base14. The brushroll 60 is positioned for rotational movement in adirection R about a central rotational axis X. The brush chamber 104 canbe forward of the rear housing 98, and can be defined at least in partby the suction nozzle 54, as described in more detail below. In thepresent embodiment the suction nozzle 54 is configured to extract fluidand debris from the brushroll 60 and from the surface to be cleaned.

An interference wiper 106 is mounted at a forward portion of the brushchamber 104 and is configured to interface with a leading portion of thebrushroll 60, as defined by the direction of rotation R of the brushroll60. The interference wiper 106 is below the fluid distributor 90, suchthat the wetted portion brushroll 60 rotates past the interference wiper106, which scrapes excess fluid off the brushroll 60, before reachingthe surface to be cleaned. Optionally, the interference wiper 106 can bedisposed generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

The wiper 106 can be rigid, i.e. stiff and non-flexible, so the wiper106 does not yield or flex by engagement with the brushroll 60.Optionally, the wiper 106 can be formed of rigid thermoplastic material,such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, oracrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

A squeegee 108 is mounted to the base housing 70 behind the brushroll 60and the brush chamber 104 and is configured to contact the surface asthe base 14 moves across the surface to be cleaned. The squeegee 108wipes residual fluid from the surface to be cleaned so that it can bedrawn into the recovery pathway via the suction nozzle 54, therebyleaving a moisture and streak-free finish on the surface to be cleaned.Optionally, the squeegee 108 can be disposed generally orthogonal to thesurface to be cleaned, or vertically. The squeegee 108 can be smooth asshown, or optionally comprise nubs on the end thereof.

The squeegee 108 can be pliant, i.e. flexible or resilient, in order tobend readily according to the contour of the surface to be cleaned yetremain undeformed by normal use of the apparatus 10. Optionally, thesqueegee 108 can be formed of a resilient polymeric material, such asethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyvinyl chloride(PVC), a rubber copolymer such as nitrile butadiene rubber, or anymaterial known in the art of sufficient rigidity to remain substantiallyundeformed during normal use of the apparatus 10.

In the present example, brushroll 60 can be a hybrid brushroll suitablefor use on both hard and soft surfaces, and for wet or dry vacuumcleaning. In one embodiment, the brushroll 60 comprises a dowel 110, aplurality of bristles 112 extending from the dowel 110, and microfibermaterial 114 provided on the dowel 110 and arranged between the bristles112. One example of a suitable hybrid brushroll is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 10,092,155, incorporated above. The bristles 112 can bearranged in a plurality of tufts or in a unitary strip. Dowel 110 can beconstructed of a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), polypropylene or styrene, or any other suitable materialsuch as plastic, wood, or metal. Bristles 112 can be tufted or unitarybristle strips and constructed of nylon, or any other suitable syntheticor natural fiber. The microfiber material 114 can be constructed ofpolyester, polyamides, or a conjugation of materials includingpolypropylene or any other suitable material known in the art from whichto construct microfiber.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the base 14. In oneembodiment, the base 14 can comprise a removable nozzle assembly 116coupled to the base housing 70 and defining at least the suction nozzle54. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 116 can comprise a nozzlehousing 118. The nozzle housing 118 can define the brush chamber 104which partially encloses the brushroll 60. Optionally, the wiper 106 ismounted at an interior forward side of the nozzle housing 118, andprojects into the brush chamber 104.

The nozzle assembly 116 can comprise a hand grip 120 on the nozzlehousing 118 which can be used to lift the nozzle assembly 116 away fromthe base housing 70. The nozzle assembly 116 can comprise a cover 122 onwhich the hand grip 120 is provided, or the hand grip 120 can beprovided directly on the nozzle housing 118. The nozzle housing 118and/or cover 122 can be formed from a translucent or transparentmaterial, such that the brushroll 60 is at least partially visible to auser through the suction nozzle assembly 116. A bumper 124 can beprovided on the nozzle assembly 116, such as at a lower front edge ofthe nozzle housing 118. A base conduit 126 of the recovery pathway canbe provided in the base housing 70 and can couple the nozzle housing118, particularly the suction nozzle 54 and brush chamber 104 defined bythe nozzle housing 118, with the flexible conduit 62.

The fluid distributor 90 can optionally be integrated with the removablenozzle assembly 116. The nozzle housing 118 can include at least oneoutlet opening 128 in register with the fluid distributor 90 fordelivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned, including to thebrushroll 60 or directly to the surface to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 116 can define a pair of fluiddelivery channels 130 that are each fluidly connected to one of thespray tips 92 at a terminal end thereof. Each spray tip 92 can includeat least one outlet to deliver fluid to the surface to be cleaned, andcan be in fluid communication with the brush chamber 104 to deliveryfluid directly to the brushroll 60, or directly to the surface to becleaned. The spray tips 92 can optionally be oriented to spray fluidinwardly onto the brushroll 60.

The fluid delivery channels 130 can be defined by lower channel halves132 and upper channel halves 134, which can be provided on matingcomponents of the nozzle assembly 116. In the embodiment shown, thelower channel halves 132 are provided on the nozzle housing 118 and theupper channel halves 134 are provided on a channel housing 136 whichmates with the nozzle housing 118, optionally beneath the cover 122.

A fluid coupling can be provided between the nozzle assembly 116 and thebase housing 70 in order to fluidly connect the pump 94 (FIG. 5 ) withthe fluid delivery channels 130 when the nozzle assembly 116 is seatedon the base housing 70. In the illustrated embodiment, spray connectors138 are provided on the base housing 70 and can comprise valves that arenormally closed when the nozzle assembly 116 is removed from the basehousing 70. Installing the nozzle assembly 116 on the base housing 70can automatically open the spray connectors 138 and permit fluid to flowinto the delivery channels 130. Optionally, a fluid supply conduit (notshown) can fluidly connect the pump 94 to the spray connectors 138.

A nozzle latch 140 can be provided to releasably secure the nozzleassembly 116 on the base housing 70. The nozzle latch 140 can bereceived in a latch receiver 142 provided on the base housing 70, and bebiased by a spring 144 to a latched position. The nozzle latch 140 canbe configured to releasably latch or retain, but not lock, the nozzleassembly 116 to the base housing 70, such that a user can convenientlyapply sufficient force to the nozzle assembly 116 itself, such as viathe hand grip 120, to pull the nozzle assembly 116 off the base housing70. Optionally the latch 140 can be carried by the channel housing 136.

The base 14 can have at least one indicator light 146 configured toactivate in combination with the pump 94 (FIG. 5 ) when trigger 28 (FIG.1 ) is depressed to deliver fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, theindicator light 146 includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) orother illumination source provided on the base housing 70, and moreparticularly provided on the rear housing 98. The indicator light 146can be positioned behind the nozzle cover 122, which can be formed froma translucent or transparent material, such that the illumination fromthe indicator light 146 is at least partially visible to a user from theexterior of the base 14. Electrical wiring for the indicator light 146can be passed through the joint assembly 42 from the upright body 12 tothe base 14 through joint assembly 42.

Optionally, the brushroll 60 can be configured to be removed by the userfrom the base 14, such as for cleaning and/or drying the brushroll 60.The brushroll 60 can be removably mounted in the brush chamber 104 by abrushroll latch 148 which is coupled with the brushroll 60. Accordingly,the nozzle assembly 116 may be removed from the base housing 70 prior toremoving the brushroll 60. In other embodiments, the brushroll 60 andlatch 148 can be configured such that prior removal of the nozzleassembly 116 is not required.

The brushroll latch 148 can be received by a mating component 150 on thebase housing 70. In one embodiment, the base housing 70 can includespaced lateral sidewalls 152 which define a cavity 154 therebetween. Themating component 150 can be provided on an inner surface of one of thelateral sidewalls 152. The lateral sidewalls 152 can extend forwardlyfrom the rear housing 98. Optionally, the lateral sidewalls 152 can forma portion of the brush chamber 104, such as by enclosing open lateralends 156 of the nozzle housing 118.

The latch 148 can be provided on one end of the dowel 110 of thebrushroll 60. The opposite end of the dowel 110 can have a splined driveconnection 158 with a drive head 160 of a transmission operablyconnecting the brush motor 96 (FIG. 5 ) to the brushroll 60. The drivehead 160 can be provided at the lateral sidewall 152 opposite the matingcomponent 150.

With additional reference to FIGS. 8-9 , the brushroll latch 148 canhave a latch body 162 that is received by a latch body receiver 164 ofthe mating component 150. The latch body 162 can be complementary to orkeyed with the receiver 164 to ensure proper installation of thebrushroll 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch body 162 and thereceiver 164 can have complementary U-shapes and can optionally taper inthe insertion direction of the brushroll 60, i.e. downwardly.

The brushroll latch 148 can comprise a protruding part 166 which is snapfit with the mating component 150 on the base housing 70. In oneembodiment, the protruding part 166 include at least one, and optionallytwo, cantilever part 168 having a hook, stud, lug, bead, or otherengagement element 170 at an end thereof. The protruding part 166 isdeflected briefly during the joining operation and catches in adepression or undercut 172 in the mating component 150, optionally inthe latch body receiver 164. The depression or undercut 172 is shaped toallow separation of the brushroll 60 and from the base housing 70.

The brushroll latch 148 can form part of an outer perimeter of the basehousing 70, which can improve edge cleaning by enabling the end of thebrushroll 60 to extend closer to the lateral edge of the base 14. Forexample, a portion of the brushroll latch 148 can form a portion of thelateral sidewall 152 of the housing 70 when the brushroll 60 isinstalled. When assembled, the brushroll latch 148 can form an exteriorsurface of the base 14. Using the brushroll latch 148 to form a portionof the base housing 70, rather than having the brushroll latch 148 abutup against an outer wall of the base housing 70, eliminates bulk withoutsacrificing housing strength, allowing the brushroll 60 to be closer tothe lateral edge of the base 14.

The brushroll latch 148 can include a release tab 174, which can becoupled with the latch body 162, and which a user can grip to remove thebrushroll 60. The release tab 174 can form a portion of one of thelateral sidewalls 152 of the base housing 70, which can improve edgecleaning by enabling the end of the brushroll 60 to extend closer to thelateral edge of the base 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasetab has a top edge or surface 176 that is continuous with a top edge orsurface 178 on the lateral sidewall 152 when the brushroll 60 isinstalled on the base housing 70. When assembled, the top edge orsurface 176, and optionally only the top edge or surface 176, of therelease tab 174 is visible, and can form an exterior surface of the base14.

The release tab 174 can be captured by the removable nozzle assembly 116upon installation of the brushroll 60 on the base housing 70, which canprevent unintended release of the brushroll 60. Optionally, a portion ofthe nozzle assembly 116 can overlie a tab or shoulder 180 on the latch148 to prevent upward movement of latch 148, and therefore the brushroll60, when the nozzle assembly 116 is installed. In the embodiment shown,the nozzle cover 122 overlies the shoulder 180.

The release tab 174 can optionally include a gripping feature 182 toassist in lifting the brushroll 60. The gripping feature 182 can behidden by the nozzle assembly 116 when installed on the base housing 70and revealed upon removal of the nozzle assembly 116 from the basehousing 70. The gripping feature 182 can be provided a portion of thelatch 148 extending above the brushroll 60.

The latch 148 and lateral sidewall 152 can include one or moreadditional mating surfaces or joints which help distribute the weight ofthe brushroll 60 supported by the lateral sidewall 152. In theillustrated embodiment, the latch 148 includes a slot 184 on a lowerside of the top surface 176 that receives a thin ridge 186 on thelateral sidewall 152; the slot 184 and ridge 186 together form a tongueand groove joint between the latch 148 and the lateral sidewall 152.Alternatively or additionally, the latch 148 can include a tab orshoulder 188 which rests on a ledge 190 of the mating component 150.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an example of a transmission 192 for thebrushroll 60 (FIG. 7 ) is shown. The transmission 192 connects the brushmotor 96 to the brushroll 60 for transmitting rotational motion of amotor shaft 194 of the brush motor 96 to the brushroll 60. Thetransmission 192 can include a V-belt 196 (or vee belt) and one or moregears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. The V-belt 196 isnarrower than other types of belts conventionally used for surfacecleaning apparatus, such as flat belts or cog belts, which can increaseavailable space within the base 14 and improve edge cleaning by enablingthe end of the brushroll 60 to extend closer to the lateral edge of thebase 14, for example closer to the lateral sidewall 152 on thetransmission side. As an additional benefit, the V-belt 196 is quieterthan other belts conventionally used for surface cleaning apparatus andreduces operational noise of the apparatus.

In addition to the V-belt 196, the transmission 192 can, for example,include a pulley 198 coupled with the motor shaft 194 and a pulley 200coupled with brushroll 60, with the V-belt 196 coupling the motor pulley198 with the brushroll pulley 200. The V-belt 196 can be a multi-grooveor polygroove belt with multiple “V” shape ribs 202 alongside eachother, which track in mating grooves 204, 206 in the motor and brushrollpulleys 198, 200, respectively. Because the V-belt 196 tends to wedgeinto the mating grooves 204, 206, sufficient torque transmission can beprovided with less belt width and tension, for example as compared to aflat belt.

The transmission 192 can further include the drive head 160 keyed to orotherwise fixed with the brush pulley 200 by an axle 208. A bearing 210may also be carried on the axle 208. The brushroll pulley 200 can bekeyed to or otherwise fixed with the motor shaft 194, and securedthereon by a retaining ring 212.

It is noted that in FIG. 10 , a portion of the base housing 70 has beenremoved in order to view the transmission 192 and an optional drivehousing 214 for the transmission 192. The drive housing 214 can beformed with or otherwise coupled to the lateral sidewall 152 on thetransmission side.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the upright body 12 comprises tank sockets orreceivers 216, 218 for respectively receiving the supply and recoverytanks 20, 22. As shown herein, in one embodiment the tank receivers 216,218 can be defined by portions of the frame 18, and can be provided onopposing sides of the frame 18, and more particularly on rear and frontsides of the frame 18, respectively. The supply and recovery tanks 20,22 can include externally-facing surfaces 220, 222, which form externalsurfaces of the apparatus 10 when the tank 20, 22 are seated in thereceivers 216, 218. Optionally, the tank 20, 22 can have hand grips 224,226 provided on the externally-facing surfaces 220, 222. As shownherein, the supply tank hand grip 224 comprises hand grip indentationsformed in its externally-facing surface 220, and the recovery tank handgrip 226 comprises a handle projecting from its externally-facingsurface 222, although other configurations are possible for each.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12 , the supply tank receiver 216 include a latch228 for securing the supply tank 20 to the upright body 12. The latch228 facilitates correct installation and better sealing of the supplytank 20, which alleviates user error and misassembly. The latch 228 canbe configured to releasably latch or retain, but not lock, the supplytank 20 to the upright body 12, such that a user can conveniently applysufficient force to the supply tank 20 itself to pull the supply tank 20off the frame 18. In one embodiment, the latch 228 for the supply tank20 can comprise a biased latch configured to release the supply tank 20upon application a sufficient force to overcome the biased latchingforce of the latch 228. More specifically, the latch 228 can comprise aspring-biased latch. One example of a suitable latch is disclosed inU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/638,477, filed Mar. 5, 2018, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, the supply tank receiver 216 caninclude a support wall 230 and an overhanging wall 232 provided on theframe 18, below the handle 16. The overhanging wall 232 can extendoutwardly to overhang at least a portion of the support wall 230. Thelower end of the supply tank 20 can comprise one or moreinternally-facing surfaces 234 adapted to rest on the support wall 230of the receiver 216. Optionally, the supply tank 20 can include anindent 236 in a sidewall thereof which rests on a platform 238 of thesupport wall 230. The upper end of supply tank 20 can comprise one ormore internally-facing surfaces 240 adapted to confront the overhangingwall 232 when the supply tank 20 is installed on the frame 18.Optionally, the supply tank receiver 216 can have substantially opensides.

The latch 228 can be provided on the frame 18 of the upright body 12.More specifically, as shown in the embodiment illustrated herein, thelatch 228 can be provided on the overhanging wall 232 of the supply tankreceiver 216. When the supply tank 20 is seated within the supply tankreceiver 216, the supply tank 20 rests on the support wall 230 and isretained in place by the latch 228 on the overhanging wall 232.Alternatively, the latch 228 can be provided elsewhere on the receiver216.

A valve seat 242 can be formed in the supply tank receiver 216, such asin the support wall 230, for receiving the supply valve assembly 48controlling fluid flow through an outlet of the supply chamber 46 whenthe supply tank 20 is seated within the supply tank receiver 216. Thesupply valve assembly 48 can be adapted to open upon the seating of thesupply tank 20 within the supply tank receiver 216, and to close uponremoval of the supply tank 20 from the supply tank receiver 216.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, the frame 18 includes a pocket 246formed therein for mounting the latch 228. More particularly, the pocket246 can be provided in the overhanging wall 232 of the receiver 216.

The latch 228 can include a latch member 248 and a biasing member 250configured to bias the latch member 248 outwardly from the pocket 246.In one embodiment, the latch member 248 can comprise a spring-biasedlatch and the biasing member 250 can specifically comprise a spring,such as a coil spring. As shown herein, the spring 250 can be retainedbetween the latch member 248 and the pocket 246. The latch member 248 ismoveable relative to the pocket 246 and is constrained by the pocket 246for axial movement along a latch axis, which can be substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright body 12 or handle 16.

The supply tank 20 includes a catch 252 for the latch 228. The catch 252is configured to be retained by the latch 228 to releasably hold thesupply tank 20 in the receiver 216. As shown herein, the catch 252 canbe formed on one of the internally-facing surfaces of the supply tank 20such that the catch 252 and latch 228 are hidden when the supply tank 20is seated in the receiver 216. More specifically, the catch 252 can beformed on the upper internally-facing surface 240 of the supply tank 20,which confronts the overhanging wall 232. The supply tank 20 can beshaped to facilitate movement of the latch 228 during installation, suchas having an angled lead-in portion 254 on the upper internally-facingsurface 240. In an embodiment where the supply tank 20 comprise ablow-molded tank body 256, the catch 252 can be formed integrally in anupper portion of the blow-molded tank body 256 forming the upper end ofthe tank 20.

The supply tank 20 can be installed on the frame 18 in accordance withthe following method. The bottom of the supply tank 20 is inserted intothe receiver 216, with the supply valve assembly 48 in register with thevalve seat 242, and the upper portion of the supply tank 20 is rotatedtoward the receiver 216 to seat the supply tank 20. During installation,the angled lead-in portion 254 of the supply tank 20 rides under thelatch 228 and causes the latch member 248 to compress the spring 250,and retract into the pocket 246. When the supply tank 20 is seated, thelatch member 248 clears the angled lead-in portion 254 of the supplytank 20 and the spring 250 forces the latch member 248 to extend out ofthe pocket 246 and into the latched position shown in FIG. 12 .

To remove the supply tank 20, the user can conveniently apply sufficientforce to the supply tank 20 itself, such as by gripping the hand grips224, to pull the supply tank 20 off the frame 18. Upon application asufficient force via engagement of the catch 252 with the latch member248 to overcome the biasing force of the spring 250, the latch member248 is forced deeper into the pocket 246 and clears the catch 252,thereby releasing the supply tank 20 to be lifted away from the frame18.

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment ofthe recovery tank 22 and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of therecovery tank 22. The recovery tank 22 can include a recovery tankcontainer 258, which forms a collection chamber 260 for the fluidrecovery system, with a hollow standpipe 262 therein. The standpipe 262can be oriented such that it is generally coincident with a longitudinalaxis of the tank container 258. The standpipe 262 forms a flow pathbetween a tank inlet 264 formed at a lower end of the tank container 258and a tank outlet 266 at the upper end of the standpipe 262 within theinterior of the tank container 258. When the recovery tank 22 is mountedto the frame 18 as shown in FIG. 3 , the inlet 264 is aligned with theflexible conduit 62 to establish fluid communication between the base 14and the recovery tank 22. The standpipe 262 can be integrally formedwith the tank container 258.

The recovery tank 22 further includes a lid 268 sized for receipt on thetank container 258. The lid 268 at least partially encloses an open topof the tank container 258. and can further define an air outlet 270 ofthe recovery tank 22 leading to the downstream suction source 56. Agasket 272 is positioned between mating surfaces of the lid 268 and thetank container 258 and creates a seal therebetween for prevention ofleaks.

A recovery tank latch 274 can optionally be supported by the lid 268 forsecuring the recovery tank 22 to the upright body 12 within the recoverytank receiver 218 (FIG. 11 ). The latch 274 can be configured toreleasably lock the recovery tank 22 to the upright body 12, such that auser must actuate the latch 274 before pulling the tank 22 off the frame18. The hand grip 226 on the recovery tank 22 can be located below thelatch 274 and can facilitate removal of the recovery tank 22 from theframe 18.

The recovery tank 22 can further include a filter 276 provided at theair outlet 270. The filter 276 can be supported by the lid 268 and cancomprise a pleated filter. In one embodiment, the pleated filter is madeof a material that remains porous when wet. A mesh screen 278 can becarried by the lid 268 and can support the filter 276 thereon.

The recovery tank 22 can further include a removable strainer 280configured to strain large debris and hair out of the tank container 258prior to emptying. The strainer 280 is configured to collect the largedebris and hair while draining fluid (e.g. liquid) and smaller debrisback into the tank container 258. One example of a suitable strainer isdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0159646, filedNov. 30, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

For purposes of this description, large debris are any debris with amaximum dimension, such as a length or diameter, of greater than orequal to 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and preferably 3 mm, whereas small debris areany debris having a maximum dimension, such as a length or diameter, ofless than that of the larger debris. An example of a piece of largedebris includes a strand of hair with a length greater than 3 mm.Examples of small debris include coffee grounds and crumbs withdiameters less than 3 mm.

The strainer 280 can comprises an elongated handle or grip 282 and abase 284. The strainer 280 can be removably mounted within the tankcontainer 258 such that the base 284 is at a bottom end of the tankcontainer 258 and the grip 282 extends toward a top end of the tankcontainer 258. The base 284 can include a plurality of drain holes 286for draining fluid when the strainer 280 is removed from the tankcontainer 258, and optionally a raised rim 288 around its perimeter forcontaining debris. An opening 290 can also be provided in the base 284for accommodating the standpipe 262. The base 284 can form a cup-shapedcolander that retains large debris and hair.

The drain holes 286 can be circular or non-circular openings orapertures in the base 284. In one example, the size of the drain holes286 can range in diameter from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and optionally from 3 mmto 4 mm. Other embodiments of drain holes 286 are possible, includingthe strainer 280 having a grid or mesh on the base 284 defining thedrain holes 286.

The base 284 can be configured to fit within the tank container 258 at alocation spaced from a bottom wall 292 thereof. When the strainer 280 isinserted into the tank container 258, fluid and small debris can passthrough the drain holes 286 to the area of the collection chamber 260below the base 284, while large debris and hair is trapped above thebase 284. Optionally, a stop 294 can be provided on the standpipe 262that limits the insertion of the strainer 280 into the tank container258 to maintain the base 284 spaced above the bottom wall 292.

As shown, the grip 282 can extends upwardly and/or vertically along theinner surface of the tank container 258 and can be oriented such that itis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank container258, and optionally also to the standpipe 262. The strainer 92806 shownherein is further inserted and removed from the tank container 258 alonga direction that is parallel to, or coincident with, the longitudinalaxis of the tank container 258.

The base 284 extends from a lower end of the grip 282 to substantiallycover the bottom wall 292 of the tank container 258, such that any largedebris/hair is trapped by the base 284 above the bottom wall 292. Thegrip 282 can be offset and relatively slender to maximize spaceavailable in the collection chamber 260 for collecting debris and fluid.

In typical recovery tanks, large debris and hair is not strained out andis disposed of together with the fluid waste (e.g. liquid waste), whichcan potentially result in clogged drains and pipes. Alternatively, largedebris and hair can be manually picked out of the recovery tank, whichis unsanitary and laborious. With the strainer 280 according to theembodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, a user can simplyremove the lid 268 and lift the strainer 280 out. The strainer 280separates out large debris and hair while fluid and smaller debrisdrains back into the tank container 258. The long grip 282 prevents auser from contact with any of the collected debris or fluid. Thus, auser can easily and sanitarily dispose of any large debris and hair inthe trash, prior to emptying the fluid waste down a sink, toilet, orother drain thereby avoiding the problems with prior recovery tanks. Thestrainer 280 can be particularly helpful for use with a multi-surfacevacuum cleaner because these types of vacuum cleaners ingest wet and drydebris, including large dry debris, and deposit the debris mixture intoa single recovery tank.

In one embodiment, the recovery tank 22 can have a liquid level sensingsystem 296 configured to detect liquid at one or more levels within therecovery tank 22 and determine when to shut-off or otherwise interruptthe recovery system. The sensing system 296 can include any suitablecomponents for sensing liquid within the recovery tank 22. With theprovision of the sensing system 296, the recovery tank 22 does notrequire an in-tank float-style shut off. In other words, the recoverytank 22 is a floatless tank. One example of a suitable floatless tankand sensing system is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No.62/688,428, filed Jun. 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. The '428 application further discloses asystem and method for sensing foam in the tank 22, which can be providedon the apparatus 10 shown herein.

In the illustrated example, the sensing system 296 includes at least onesensor 298, 300, optionally in the form of at least one probe, which candetect liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, two sensors 298, 300 inthe form of probes are included, through other numbers and forms ofsensors are possible. The sensors 298, 300 can be electrically coupledwith power terminals 302, optionally provided on the lid 268, whichcouple with electrical contacts (not shown) on the recovery tankreceiver 218 when the recovery tank 22 is mounted on the frame 18 tosupply power to the sensors 298, 300. The electrical contacts on therecovery tank receiver 218 are electrically coupled with a power sourceof the apparatus 10, an example of which is described in further detailbelow.

The sensors 298, 300 can optionally be supported by the lid 268 or, ormore particularly by at least one bracket 306 formed on or otherwisecoupled with the lid 268. In the illustrated embodiment, two brackets306 depending downwardly from the lid 268 are included, through othernumbers and forms of brackets are possible. The brackets 306 can beoffset from the standpipe 262. When the lid 268 is coupled to thecontainer 258, the brackets 306 can project into the collection chamber260. It is further contemplated that the sensors 298, 300 can be moldeddirectly into the side walls of the container 258, thereby eliminatingthe brackets 306.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the sensing system 296 for the apparatus10. The various sensors 298, 300 are coupled with a controller 308. Thecontroller 308 can also be operationally connected to other componentsof the apparatus 10, as described in further detail below. The firstsensor 298 can emit a liquid sensing signal 310 from the controller 308at a given frequency 312. The liquid sensing signal 310 travels throughcontents of the recovery tank 22 to form a liquid response signal 314that is detected by the second sensor 300 and communicated to thecontroller 308. The second sensor 300 can be located in the recoverytank 22 at a critical liquid level 316. The term critical liquid levelis used herein to define a level or location where, if liquid ispresent, at least one electrical component of the apparatus 10 is shutdown to prevent liquid ingress into the suction source 56. If the liquidresponse signal 314 indicates that the liquid in the recovery tank 22 isat or above the critical level 316, the controller 308 can turn off theat least one electrical component of the apparatus 10. Such componentscan include the suction source 56 itself, and more particularly thevacuum motor 64, and optionally also the pump 94 and/or the brush motor96.

In yet another configuration, the controller 308 can additionally oralternatively activate a shut-off valve 318 in response to the liquidresponse signal 314 to prevent liquid ingress into the suction source56. The shut-off valve 318 can be provided for interrupting suction whenliquid in the recovery tank 22 reaches the critical level 316. Theshut-off valve 318 can be positioned in any suitable manner and includeany suitable type of valve.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller 308, based on the liquidresponse signal 314, can provide a visual or audible status indicationsuch as a light or sound via the SUI 32. The visual or audible statusindication can alert the user that the liquid is too high in therecovery tank 22 or that a component of the apparatus 10 has been turnedoff.

Optionally, the sensing system 296 can include electronic components tocapacitively couple and smooth the response signals such that the risetime or the average amplitude of the voltage of the received signals canbe determined. In another non-limiting example, the controller 308 canbe configured to perform one or more signal processing algorithms on thereceived response signals to determine one or more characteristics ofthe received response signal. Signal processing algorithms incorporatedinto the controller 308 for assisting in the determination of one ormore characteristics of the received signals can include, but are notlimited to, blind source separation, principal component analysis,singular value decomposition, wavelet analysis, independent componentanalysis, cluster analysis, Bayesian classification, etc.

It is contemplated that any of the sensors 298, 300 of the sensingsystem 296 can be configured to transmit, receive or transmit andreceive one or more sensing signals. The sensing signals can include anywaveform useful in sensing liquid, including, but not limited to, squarewaves, sine waves, triangle waves, sawtooth waves, and combinationsthereof. Furthermore, the sensing signals can include any frequencyuseful in sensing liquid, including, but not limited to, frequenciesranging from approximately 10 kilohertz to 10 megahertz. In onenon-limiting example, the liquid sensing signals can be multiplexed andtransmitted simultaneously to one or more sensors.

The recovery tank 22 can be periodically emptied of collected fluid anddebris by removing the recovery tank 22 from the frame 18, removing thelid 268 from the tank container 258, which also removes the sensors 298,300 and brackets 306. Next, a user lifts the strainer 280 out of thetank container 258. As the strainer 280 is lifted, large debris and hairis captured while fluid and smaller debris is allowed to drain back intothe container 258. The user can then dispose of any debris on thestrainer 280 in the trash, and then dispose of the remaining fluid andsmaller debris in the tank container 258 in a sink, toilet, or otherdrain.

Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17 , downstream of the recovery tank22, the recovery pathway can include suction source 56 and at least oneexhaust vent 328 defining the clean air outlet 52. In the illustratedembodiment, two exhaust vents 328 are provided on opposing sides of theframe 18, through other numbers and locations for the exhaust vents 328are possible. The vacuum motor 64 is enclosed within a motor housing 330and the fan 66 is enclosed within a fan housing 332 and the housings330, 332 may be made of one or more separate pieces. The fan housing 332includes at least one inlet aperture 334 for drawing working air intothe fan housing 332 and at least one outlet aperture 336 through whichworking air is exhausted. The recovery tank receiver 218 can include agrille 338 in register with the inlet aperture 334 and in fluidcommunication with the air outlet 270 of the recovery tank 22 when thetank 22 is seated in the receiver 218.

The recovery pathway can further include a portion defining an airexhaust path, which extends from the fan outlet aperture 336 to theclean air outlet or exhaust vents 328. The air exhaust path can bedefined by at least one working air exhaust duct or conduit 342, withthe fan outlet aperture 336 in fluid communication with a first end ofexhaust conduit 342 and the clean air outlet 52 in fluid communicationwith a second end of the exhaust conduit 342.

The exhaust conduit 342 can be formed internally between housings of theupright body 12, and more specifically can be formed between housingsforming the frame 18. Routing the working air exhaust internally withinthe handle housings reduces noise from the vacuum motor 64. In theillustrated embodiment, the exhaust conduit 342 can be formed by firstand second frame housings 344, 346. The first frame housing 344 candefine an exterior surface of the upright body 12 which is visible tothe user, including a portion of a rear of the frame 18. The secondframe housing 346 can define an interior surface of the upright body 12which is not visible to the user and which can be at least partiallycovered by the first frame housing 344. The first and second framehousings 344, 346 can include mating portions of the exhaust conduit342. The first and second frame housings 344, 346 can optionallycomprise molded parts, with the mating portions of the exhaust conduit342 integrally formed therewith. Optionally, the first frame housing 344can define the supply tank receiver 216. In this case, the supply tank20 mounted on the supply tank receiver 216 provides further insulationfrom operational noise generated by the vacuum motor 64.

The exhaust conduit 342 can include at least one louver or baffle whichdirects air flow. The at least one louver or baffle can provide atortuous exhaust path that extends from the fan outlet aperture 336 tothe exhaust vents. The tortuous exhaust path can comprise multiple turnsof at least 90 degrees, and can optionally include at least one turn ofgreater than 90 degrees, for example 180 degrees or greater. In theembodiment shown, a 90 degree turn is provided into the exhaust conduit342 at the fan outlet aperture 336, and a 180 degree turn is provided ata baffle 348 separating sections of the exhaust conduit 342. Thesections of the exhaust conduit 342 separated by the baffle 348 can runparallel to each other, which increases the length of the exhaust pathto further reduces noise at the exhaust vents.

In one embodiment, a motor cooling air path is provided for supplyingcooling air to the vacuum motor 64 and for removing heated cooling air(also referred to herein as “heated air”) from the vacuum motor 64. Themotor cooling air path includes a cooling air inlet and a cooling airoutlet, both of which are in fluid communication with the ambient airoutside the apparatus 10. Ambient air is drawn into the apparatus 10through the cooling air inlet, passes through the vacuum motor 64, andis subsequently exhausted through the cooling air outlet. In theembodiment illustrated, the cooling air inlet is provided by gapsbetween the housings forming the upright body 12, including between thefirst frame housing 344 and a third frame housing 352. The third framehousing 352 can define an exterior surface of the upright body 12 whichis visible to the user, including a portion of a side and/or front ofthe frame 18. Alternatively, a dedicated cooling air inlet can beprovided in the upright body 12, such as through one of the housings ofthe frame 18. The cooling air outlet is provided by the clean air outlet52, i.e. the exhaust vents 328, and as such the motor cooling air pathand the working air exhaust path share a common outlet.

The motor housing 330 includes at least one inlet aperture 354 forallowing cooling air to enter the motor housing 330 and pass by thevacuum motor 64, and at least one outlet aperture 356 through whichheated cooling air is exhausted. The motor cooling air path can bedefined by at least one heated air exhaust duct or conduit 358 forallowing heated air to be transported away from the vacuum motor 64,with the motor outlet aperture 356 in fluid communication with a firstend of the exhaust conduit 358 and the exhaust vents 328 in fluidcommunication with a second end of the exhaust conduit 358.

The heated air exhaust conduit 358 can be formed internally betweenhousings of the upright body 12, and more specifically can be formedbetween the first and second frame housings 344, 346 forming the frame18. Routing the heated air exhaust internally within the handle housings344, 346 reduces noise from the vacuum motor 64. The first and secondframe housings 344, 346 can include mating portions of the heated airexhaust conduit 358. The first and second frame housings 344, 346 canoptionally comprise molded parts, with the mating portions of theexhaust conduit 358 integrally formed therewith. In the illustratedembodiment, the motor outlet aperture 356 can jut rearwardly to anopening 360 in the second frame housing 346 to enter the heated airexhaust conduit 358.

Optionally, the motor cooling air path can have a tortuous exhaust paththat extends from the motor outlet aperture 356 to the exhaust vents,and include at least one louver or baffle (not shown) which directs airflow. The motor and airflow noise generated by the apparatus 10 duringoperation is dampened by the torturous exhaust path. The tortuousexhaust path can comprise multiple turns of at least 90 degrees. In theembodiment shown, a first 90 degree turn is provided into the exhaustconduit 358 at the motor outlet aperture 356, and a second 90 degreeturn is provided at a passage 362 separating a first section of theexhaust conduit 358 from a second section which includes the exhaustvents 328.

FIG. 18 shows one example of a schematic control diagram for theapparatus 10. As briefly mentioned above, the surface cleaning apparatus10 can further include a controller 308 operably coupled with thevarious function systems, such as the fluid delivery and recoverysystems, of the apparatus 10 for controlling its operation. Thecontroller 308 is operably coupled with the HMI 30 for receiving inputsfrom a user and with the SUI 32 for providing one or more indicia aboutthe status of the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the controller 308can comprise a microcontroller unit (MCU) that contains at least onecentral processing unit (CPU). In the embodiment shown, the controller308 is operably coupled with at least the vacuum motor 64, the pump 94,and the brush motor 96 for the brushroll 60.

Electrical components of the surface cleaning apparatus 10, includingthe vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and the brush motor 96 for thebrushroll 60, can be electrically coupled to a power source such as abattery 372 or a power cord plugged into a household outlet. In theillustrated embodiment, the power source comprises a rechargeablebattery 372. In one example, the battery 372 can be a lithium ionbattery. In another exemplary arrangement, the battery 372 can comprisea user replaceable battery.

As discussed above, the power input control 34 which controls the supplyof power to one or more electrical components of the apparatus 10, andin the illustrated embodiment controls the supply of power to at leastthe SUI 32, the vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and the brush motor 96.The cleaning mode input control 36 cycles the apparatus 10 between ahard floor cleaning mode and a carpet cleaning mode. In one example ofthe hard floor cleaning mode, vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, and thebrush motor 96 are activated, with the pump 94 operating at a first flowrate. In the carpet cleaning mode, the vacuum motor 64, the pump 94, andthe brush motor 96 are activated, with the pump 94 operating at a secondflow rate which is greater than the first flow rate. The self-cleaningmode input control 40 initiates a self-cleaning mode of operation, oneembodiment of which is described in detail below. Briefly, during theself-cleaning mode, a cleanout cycle can run in which cleaning liquid issprayed on the brushroll 60 while the brushroll 60 rotates. Liquid isextracted and deposited into the recovery tank, thereby also flushingout a portion of the recovery pathway.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the controller 308 can be provided at variouslocations on the apparatus 10, and in the illustrated embodiment islocated in the upright body 12, within the frame 18, and is integratedwith the SUI 32. Alternatively, the controller 308 can be integratedwith the HMI 30 (FIG. 1 ), or can be separate from both the HMI 30 andSUI 32.

The battery 372 can be located within a battery housing 374 located onthe upright body 12 or base 14 of the apparatus, which can protect andretain the battery 372 on the apparatus 10. In the illustratedembodiment, the battery housing 374 is provided on the frame 18 of theupright body 12. Optionally, the battery housing 374 can be locatedbelow the supply tank 20 and/or rearwardly of the recovery tank 22. Thebumper 44 can be provided on a rear exterior side of the battery housing374.

Referring to FIG. 19 , the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can optionallybe provided with a storage tray 380 that can be used when storing theapparatus 10. The storage tray 380 can be configured to receive the base14 of the apparatus 10 in an upright, stored position. The storage tray380 can further be configured for further functionality beyond simplestorage, such as for charging the apparatus 10 and/or for self-cleaningof the apparatus 10.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the illustration embodiment, the storage tray380 functions as a docking station for recharging the battery 372 of theapparatus 10. The storage tray 380 can optionally having at least onecharging contact 382, and at least one corresponding charging contact384 can be provided on the apparatus 10, such as on the exterior of thebattery housing 374. When operation has ceased, the apparatus 10 can belocked upright and placed into the storage tray 380 for recharging thebattery 372. When the apparatus 10 is removed from the storage tray 380,one or both of the charging contacts 382, 384 can be shielded, asdescribed in further detail below. One example of a storage tray withshielded charging contacts is disclosed in U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/671,119, filed Jun. 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

A charging unit 386 is provided on the storage tray 380 and comprisesthe charging contacts 382. The charging unit 386 can electrically couplewith the battery 372 when the base 14 of the apparatus 10 is docked withthe storage tray 380. The charging unit 386 can be electrically coupledto a power source including, but not limited to, a household outlet. Inone example, a cord 388 can be coupled with the charging unit 386 toconnect the storage tray 380 to the power source.

The battery housing 374 and the charging unit 386 of the storage tray380 can possess complementary shapes, with the battery housing 374fitting against the charging unit 386 to help support the apparatus 10on the storage tray 380. In the illustrated embodiment, the batteryhousing 374 can include a socket 390 containing the charging contacts384 and the charging unit 386 can be at least partially received by thesocket 390 when the apparatus 10 is docked with the tray 380.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of a lower portion of the uprightbody 12 showing a cross-section through the charging contact 384 of thebattery 372. A contact casing 392 can extend downwardly within thesocket 390, and includes the charging contact 384, which is illustratedas DC connector or socket. The charging contact 384 or socket can benormally covered, or closed, by a retractable charging contact cover394, also referred to herein as battery-side cover. The battery-sidecover 394 can be slidably mounted to or within the casing 392 and can bebiased to the normally covered position by a spring 396. When thebattery-side cover 394 is in the closed position, the battery-side cover394 shields the charging contact 384 such that liquid cannot enter thecharging contact 384 or casing 392.

The battery-side cover 394 can include a ramp 398 against which aportion of the storage tray 380 presses to move the cover 394 to uncoverthe charging contact 384 against the biasing force of the spring 396. Itis noted that while a ramp 398 is shown, the apparatus 10 can includeany suitable mating feature configurable to move the cover 394 upondocking, such as a cam or a rack and pinion gear, for example.Alternatively, a linear actuator can be incorporated to move the cover394 to the open position upon docking.

Referring to FIG. 22 , the charging contact 382 of the charging unit386, which is illustrated as DC connector or plug, can be normallycovered, or closed, by a retractable charging contact cover 400, alsoreferred to herein as tray-side cover. A bracket 402 can be provided inthe charging unit to mount the charging contact or plug 382 and thecover 400. The tray-side cover 400 can be biased to the normally coveredposition by springs 404, 406, which bias the cover 400 rearwardly andupwardly. When the tray-side cover 400 is in the closed position, thetray-side cover 400 shields the charging contact 382 such that liquidcannot enter the charging contact 382 or charging unit 386.

The tray-side cover 400 can include a ramp 408 against which a portionof the apparatus 10 presses to move the cover 400 to uncover thecharging contact 382 against the biasing force of the springs 404, 406.It is noted that while a ramp 408 is shown, the apparatus 10 can includeany suitable mating feature configurable to move the cover 400 upondocking, such as a cam or a rack and pinion gear, for example.Alternatively, a linear actuator can be incorporated to move the cover400 to the open position upon docking.

Docking the apparatus 10 with the storage tray 380 can automaticallymove the covers 394, 400 to an uncovered or open position, an example ofwhich is shown in FIGS. 23-25 , in which the charging contacts 382, 384can be coupled, i.e. by the socket 384 receiving the plug 382. In oneembodiment, in order to dock the apparatus 10 within the storage tray380 for charging, the apparatus 10 is lowered into the storage tray 380as shown in FIG. 23 and the casing 392 pushes against the ramp 408 onthe tray-side cover 400, sliding the cover 400 forwardly to expose thecharging contact or plug 382. As the apparatus 10 continues to belowered onto the storage tray 380, the exposed plug 382 presses againstthe ramp 398 on the battery-side cover 394, as shown in FIG. 24 ,sliding the cover 394 laterally to expose the charging contact or socket384. Continued lowering of the apparatus 10 plugs the plug 382 into thesocket 384, as shown in FIG. 25 . The charging plug 382 on the storagetray 380 and socket 384 on the apparatus 10 become fully engaged, orelectrically connected, when the apparatus 10 is fully seated on thestorage tray 380.

Referring back to FIGS. 19-20 , during use, the apparatus 10 can getvery dirty, particularly in the brush chamber 104 and extractionpathway, and can be difficult for the user to clean. The storage tray380 can function as a cleaning tray during a self-cleaning mode of theapparatus 10, which can be used to clean the brushroll 60 and internalcomponents of the fluid recovery pathway of apparatus 10. Self-cleaningusing the storage tray 380 can save the user considerable time and maylead to more frequent use of the apparatus 10. The storage tray 380 canoptionally be adapted to contain a liquid for the purposes of cleaningthe interior parts of apparatus 10 and/or receiving liquid that may leakfrom the supply tank 20 while the apparatus 10 is not in activeoperation. When operation has ceased, the apparatus 10 can be lockedupright and placed into the storage tray 380 for cleaning. The apparatus10 is prepared for self-cleaning by filling the storage tray 380 to apredesignated fill level with a cleaning liquid, such as water. The usercan select the self-cleaning mode via the input control 40 (FIGS. 1 and18 ). In one example, during the self-cleaning mode, the vacuum motor 64and brush motor 96 are activated, which draws cleaning liquid in thestorage tray 380 into the fluid recovery pathway. The self-cleaning modecan be configured to last for a predetermined amount of time or untilthe cleaning liquid in storage tray 380 has been depleted. Examples ofself-cleaning cycles and storage trays are disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2018/0344112, filed May 31, 2018, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The tray 380 can physically support the entire apparatus 10. Morespecifically, the base 14 can be seated in the tray 380. The tray 380can have a recessed portion in the form of a sump 410 in register withat least one of the suction nozzle 54 or brushroll 60. Optionally, thesump 410 can sealingly receive the suction nozzle 54 and brushroll 60,such as by sealingly receiving the brush chamber 104. The sump 410 canfluidly isolate, or seal, the suction nozzle 54 and fluid distributor 90(FIG. 5 ) within the brush chamber 104 to create a closed loop betweenthe fluid delivery and fluid recovery systems of the apparatus 10. Thesump 410 can collect excess liquid for eventual extraction by thesuction nozzle 54. This also serves to flush out a recovery pathwaybetween the suction nozzle 54 and the recovery tank 22.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the storage tray 380. The tray 380 caninclude guide walls 412 extending upwardly and configured to align thebase 14 within the tray 380. A rear portion of the tray 380 can comprisewheel holders 414 for receiving the rear wheels 72 of the apparatus 10.The wheel holders 414 can be formed as a recess, or groove in thestorage tray 380, and can be provided on opposite lateral sides of thecharging unit 386.

Optionally the storage tray 380 can include a removable accessory holder416 for storing one or more accessories for the apparatus 10. Theaccessory holder 416 can be provided on an exterior side wall of thetray 380, and can be removably mounted to the tray 380. The tray 380 canoptionally be provided with a mounting location on either lateral sideof the tray 380 to allow the user some flexibility in where theaccessory holder 416 is attached. FIG. 26 includes an accessory holder416 in phantom line showing one optional alternative mounting location.The mounting locations can include a retention latch, sliding lock,clamp, brace, or any other mechanism in which to secure accessory holder416 on the storage tray 380. Alternatively, storage tray 380 can beconfigured with a non-removable or integral accessory holder 416.

The illustrated accessory holder 416 can removably receive one or morebrushrolls 60 and/or one of more filters 276 for the purposes of storageand/or drying. Accessory holder 416 can comprise one or more brushrollslots 418 to securely receive brushrolls 60 in a vertical fixed positionfor drying and storage. Brushroll slots 418 can be fixed or adjustableand can be comprised of clamps, rods, or molded receiving positions thatcan accommodate brushroll 546 with or without the dowel 110 inserted.Accessory holder 416 can comprise at least one filter slot 420 tosecurely receive filter 276 in a vertical fixed position for drying andstorage. Alternatively, accessory holder 416 can store the brushrolls 60and filter 276 in a variety of other positions.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram for the apparatus 10, showing a conditionwhen the apparatus 10 is docked with the storage tray 380 forrecharging. The apparatus 10 includes a battery charging circuit 430that controls recharging of the battery 372. When the apparatus 10 isdocked with the storage tray 380, as shown in FIG. 20 , the batterycharging circuit 430 is active and the battery 372 is charged. In atleast some embodiments of the storage tray 380, the tray 380 includespower cord 388 plugged into a household outlet, such as by a wallcharger 432 having, for example an operating power of 35 W. However,during a self-cleaning cycle during which the vacuum motor 64, pump 94,and brush motor 96 are all energized, the required power draw can farexceed the operating power of the wall charger 432. In one example, therequired power draw for the vacuum motor 64, pump 94, and brush motor 96can be 200-250 W. The apparatus 10 can include a battery monitoringcircuit 433 for monitoring the status of the battery 372 and individualbattery cells contained therein. Feedback from the battery monitoringcircuit 433 is used by the controller 308 to optimize the dischargingand recharging process, as well as for displaying battery charge statuson the SUI 32.

Referring to FIG. 28 , the block diagram shows a condition when theapparatus 10 is docked with the storage tray 380 in the self-cleaningmode. Actuating (e.g. depressing) the self-cleaning mode input control40 disables or shuts off the battery charging circuit 430, and allowsthe apparatus 10 to energize and be powered by the onboard battery 472.The apparatus 10 then automatically cycles through the self-cleaningmode, and during this cycle the battery charging circuit 430 remainsdisabled, i.e. the battery 372 does not recharge during theself-cleaning mode. This operational behavior is beneficial because ifthe battery charging circuit 430 is not disabled and power not suppliedby the battery 472 during the self-cleaning mode, the capacity of thewall charger 432 can be exceeded. As noted above, in one embodiment thewall charger 432 can have, for example, an operating power of 35 W. Wallchargers with higher capacity are much more expensive.

FIG. 29 depicts one aspect of the disclosure of a self-cleaning method440 for the apparatus 10 using the storage tray 380. In use, a user at442 docks the apparatus 10 with the storage tray 380. The docking mayinclude parking the base 14 on the cleaning tray 380 and establishing aclosed loop between the fluid delivery and fluid recovery systems of theapparatus 10. For example, the docking can include sealing the brushchamber 104 to establish a sealed cleaning pathway between the fluiddistributor 90 and the suction nozzle 54.

At step 444, the charging circuit 430 is enabled when the apparatus 10is docked with the tray 380 and the charging contacts 382, 384 couple.When the charging circuit 430 is enabled, the battery 372 may beginbeing recharged.

At step 446, the cleanout cycle for the self-cleaning mode of operationis initiated. The controller 308 can initiate the cleanout cycle basedon input from the user, such as by the user pressing the self-cleaningmode input control 40 on the SUI 32. The self-cleaning cycle may belocked-out by the controller 308 when the apparatus 10 is not dockedwith the storage tray 380 to prevent inadvertent initiation of theself-cleaning cycle.

At step 448, upon initiation of the self-cleaning cycle, such as uponthe user pressing the self-cleaning mode input control 40, the chargingcircuit 430 is disabled, i.e. the battery 372 ceases to recharge.

Pressing the input control 40 at step 446 can energize one or morecomponents of the apparatus 10 to energize and be powered by the onboardbattery 472. The self-cleaning cycle may begin at step 450 in which thepump 94 is active to deliver cleaning fluid from the supply tank 20 tothe distributor 90 that sprays the brushroll 60. During step 450, thebrush motor 96 can also activate to rotate the brushroll 60 whileapplying cleaning fluid to the brushroll 60 to flush the brush chamber104 and cleaning lines, and wash debris from the brushroll 60. Theself-cleaning cycle may use the same cleaning fluid normally used by theapparatus 10 for surface cleaning, or may use a different detergentfocused on cleaning the recovery system of the apparatus 10.

The vacuum motor can be actuated during or after step 450 to extract thecleaning fluid via the suction nozzle 54. During extraction, thecleaning fluid and debris from the sump 410 in the tray 380 is suckedthrough the suction nozzle 54 and the downstream fluid recovery path.The flushing action also cleans the entire fluid recovery path of theapparatus 10, including the suction nozzle 54 and downstream conduits.

At step 452, the self-cleaning cycle ends. The end of the self-cleaningcycle can be time-dependent, or can continue until the recovery tank 22is full or the supply tank 20 is empty. For a timed self-cleaning cycle,the pump 94, brush motor 96, and vacuum motor 64 are energized andde-energized for predetermined periods of time. Optionally, the pump 94or brush motor 96 can pulse on/off intermittently so that any debris isflushed off of the brushroll 60 and extracted into the recovery tank 22.Optionally, the brushroll 60 can be rotated at slower or faster speedsto facilitate more effective wetting, shedding of debris, and/or spindrying. Near the end of the cycle, the pump 94 can de-energize to endfluid dispensing while the brush motor 96 and vacuum motor 64 can remainenergized to continue extraction. This is to ensure that any liquidremaining in the sump 410, on the brushroll 60, or in the fluid recoverypath is completely extracted into the recovery tank 22.

After the end of the self-cleaning cycle, the charging circuit 430 isenabled to continue to recharging the battery 472 at step 454.

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be used incombination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. Thatone surface cleaning apparatus is illustrated herein as having all ofthese features does not mean that all of these features must be used incombination, but rather done so here for brevity of description.Furthermore, while the surface cleaning apparatus 10 shown herein has anupright configuration, the surface cleaning apparatus can be configuredas a canister or portable unit. For example, in a canister arrangement,foot components such as the suction nozzle and brushroll can be providedon a cleaning head coupled with a canister unit. Still further, thesurface cleaning apparatus can additionally have steam deliverycapability. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments maybe mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desiredto form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments areexpressly described.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of thedisclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure asdefined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted inaccordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine ofequivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrativepurposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description ofall embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims tothe specific elements illustrated or described in connection with theseembodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example,using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construedas limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are notlimited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methodsdescribed in the detailed description, which may vary between particularembodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Withrespect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describingparticular features or aspects of various embodiments, different,special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member ofthe respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members.Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or incombination and provides adequate support for specific embodimentswithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A surface cleaning system, comprising: a storage tray configured todock a surface cleaning apparatus in an upright storage position, thestorage tray comprising at least one charging contact; and the surfacecleaning apparatus comprising: an upright body comprising a handle and aframe; a base assembly coupled with the upright body and adapted formovement across a surface to be cleaned; a moveable joint assemblyconfigured to mount the base assembly to the upright body, wherein theupright body is pivotable via the moveable joint assembly between theupright storage position and a reclined use position; a fluid deliverysystem comprising a supply tank removable from the upright body, a pump,and a fluid distributor; a recovery system comprising a recoverypathway, a recovery tank removable from the upright body, a suctionnozzle, and a vacuum motor; a removable brushroll cover creating abrushroll chamber when the removeable brushroll cover is operablycoupled to the base assembly; a brushroll mountable within the brushrollchamber and disposed adjacent the suction nozzle and fluid distributor;a brushroll motor operably coupled to the brushroll for rotating thebrushroll, wherein the suction nozzle is configured to extract fluid anddebris from the brushroll; and a rechargeable battery, operablyconnected to at least one controller, configured to selectively energizeeach of the pump, the vacuum motor, and the brushroll motor during anunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation; and the at least onecontroller configured to initiate the unattended automatic cleanout modeof operation, and during the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation the at least one controller is configured to: determinewhether the surface cleaning apparatus is docked with the storage tray;determine a fluid level of the supply tank and a fluid level of therecovery tank; and determine a battery level for the rechargeablebattery; and wherein the at least one controller is configured toprevent execution of the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operationwhen any of the following conditions are met: the surface cleaningapparatus is not docked with the storage tray; or the battery level ofthe rechargeable battery is below a minimum charge threshold.
 2. Thesurface cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controlleris configured to automatically execute the unattended automatic cleanoutmode of operation when the battery level reaches above the minimumcharge threshold.
 3. The surface cleaning system of claim 1, wherein theat least one controller is configured to determine a fluid level of thesupply tank, wherein the at least one controller is configured to endexecution of the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation whenthe fluid level of the supply tank is below a minimum threshold.
 4. Thesurface cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controlleris configured to determine the fluid level of the recovery tank, whereinthe at least one controller is configured to end execution of theunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation when the fluid level ofthe recovery tank is above a maximum threshold.
 5. The surface cleaningsystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured toadjust either the flow rate of cleaning fluid from the pump or adjustthe brushroll rotational speed.
 6. The surface cleaning system of claim1, wherein the at least one controller is further configured toselectively energize the brushroll motor without the vacuum motor beingenergized.
 7. The surface cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one controller is further configured to selectively energize thepump and the brushroll motor without the vacuum motor being energized.8. The surface cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the at least onecontroller is further configured to selectively energize the brushrollmotor and the vacuum motor without the pump being energized.
 9. Thesurface cleaning system of claim 8, wherein battery charging is disabledwhen at least one of the brushroll motor or the vacuum motor areenergized during the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation.10. The surface cleaning system of claim 1, comprising a user interfacedisposed on the upright body, the user interface comprising a powerbutton, a cleaning mode button, and an unattended automatic cleanoutmode button.
 11. A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: an uprightbody comprising a handle and a frame; a base assembly coupled with theupright body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned; amoveable joint assembly mounting the base assembly to the upright body,wherein the upright body is pivotable via the joint assembly between anupright storage position and a reclined use position; a fluid deliverysystem comprising a supply tank removable from the upright body, a pump,and a fluid distributor; a recovery system comprising a recoverypathway, a recovery tank removable from the upright body, a suctionnozzle, and a vacuum motor; a removable brushroll cover creating abrushroll chamber when the removeable brushroll cover is operablycoupled to the base assembly; a brushroll mountable within the brushrollchamber and adjacent the suction nozzle and the fluid distributor; atleast one controller configured to initiate an unattended automaticcleanout mode of operation; and a brushroll motor operably coupled tothe brushroll for rotating the brushroll, wherein the suction nozzle isconfigured to extract fluid and debris from the brushroll during theunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation; wherein during theunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation the at least onecontroller is configured to: determine a fluid level of the supply tankand a fluid level of the recovery tank; energize the pump to spraycleaning liquid from the supply tank onto the brushroll; energize thebrushroll motor to rotate the brushroll; and energize the vacuum motorto extract cleaning liquid and flush out a portion of the suctionnozzle; wherein the at least one controller is further configured to endexecution of the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation whenany of the following conditions are met: the fluid level of the supplytank is below a minimum threshold; or the fluid level of the recoverytank is above a maximum threshold.
 12. The surface cleaning apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one controller is configured to indicatean error message corresponding to the supply tank fluid level beingbelow a minimum threshold or the recovery tank fluid level being above amaximum threshold.
 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11,wherein the at least one controller is configured to adjust either theflow rate of cleaning fluid from the pump or adjust the brushrollrotational speed.
 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11,wherein the at least one controller is further configured to selectivelyenergize the brushroll motor without the vacuum motor being energized.15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least onecontroller is further configured to selectively energize the pump andthe brushroll motor without the vacuum motor being energized.
 16. Thesurface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least onecontroller is further configured to selectively energize the brushrollmotor and the vacuum motor without the pump being energized.
 17. Thesurface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, comprising a user interfacedisposed on the upright body, the user interface comprising a powerbutton, a cleaning mode button, and an unattended automatic cleanoutmode button.
 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, comprisinga rechargeable battery, operably connected to the at least onecontroller, configured to selectively energize each of the pump, thevacuum motor, and the brushroll motor during the unattended automaticcleanout mode of operation.
 19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim18, wherein battery charging is disabled when at least one of thebrushroll motor or the vacuum motor are energized during the unattendedautomatic cleanout mode of operation.
 20. A surface cleaning system,comprising: a storage tray configured to dock a surface cleaningapparatus, the storage tray comprising at least one charging contact;and the surface cleaning apparatus comprising: an upright bodycomprising a handle and a frame; a base assembly coupled with theupright body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned; amoveable joint assembly mounting the base assembly to the upright body,wherein the upright body is pivotable via the joint assembly between anupright storage position and a reclined use position; a fluid deliverysystem comprising a supply tank removable from the upright body, a pump,and a fluid distributor; a recovery system comprising a recoverypathway, a recovery tank removable from the upright body, a suctionnozzle, and a vacuum motor; a removable brushroll cover creating abrushroll chamber when the removeable brushroll cover is operablycoupled to the base assembly; a brushroll mountable within the brushrollchamber and adjacent the suction nozzle and fluid distributor; at leastone controller configured to initiate an unattended automatic cleanoutmode of operation; a brushroll motor operably coupled to the brushrollfor rotating the brushroll, wherein the suction nozzle is configured toextract fluid and debris from the brushroll during the unattendedautomatic cleanout mode of operation; and a rechargeable battery,operably connected to the at least one controller, configured toselectively energize each of the pump, the vacuum motor, and thebrushroll motor during the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation; and the upright body comprising at least one correspondingcharging contact configured to couple with the at least one chargingcontact of the storage tray when the surface cleaning apparatus isdocked with the storage tray; wherein during the unattended automaticcleanout mode of operation the at least one controller is configured to:determine a fluid level of the supply tank and a fluid level of recoverytank; and determine a battery level for the rechargeable battery; andwherein the at least one controller is further configured to execute theunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation when the fluid level ofthe supply tank is above a minimum threshold and the fluid level of therecovery tank is below a maximum threshold; wherein during theunattended automatic cleanout mode of operation, the at least onecontroller is further configured to control the fluid delivery systemand the recovery system by: energizing the pump without the vacuum motorbeing energized; energizing the brushroll motor; and energizing thevacuum motor after the pump is energized, whereby cleaning liquid isextracted and deposited into the recovery tank and at least a portion ofthe suction nozzle is flushed out.
 21. The surface cleaning system ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one controller is further configured toend the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation when the fluidlevel of the supply tank is below a minimum threshold.
 22. The surfacecleaning system of claim 20, wherein the at least one controller isfurther configured to end the unattended automatic cleanout mode ofoperation when the fluid level of the recovery tank is above a maximumthreshold.
 23. The surface cleaning system of claim 20, wherein the atleast one controller is further configured to detect whether thebrushroll cover is coupled to the base assembly and wherein the at leastone controller is configured to prevent the unattended automaticcleanout mode of operation when the brushroll cover is not connected tothe base assembly.
 24. The surface cleaning system of claim 20, whereinthe at least one controller is configured to adjust either the flow rateof cleaning fluid from the pump or adjust the brushroll rotationalspeed.
 25. The surface cleaning system of claim 20, wherein the at leastone controller is further configured to selectively energize thebrushroll motor without the vacuum motor being energized.
 26. Thesurface cleaning system of claim 20, wherein the at least one controlleris further configured to selectively energize the pump and the brushrollmotor without the vacuum motor being energized.
 27. The surface cleaningsystem of claim 20, wherein the at least one controller is furtherconfigured to selectively energize the brushroll motor and the vacuummotor without the pump being energized.
 28. The surface cleaning systemof claim 20, comprising a user interface disposed on the upright body,the user interface comprising a power button, a cleaning mode button,and an unattended automatic cleanout mode button.
 29. The surfacecleaning system of claim 20, wherein battery charging is disabled whenat least one of the brushroll motor or the vacuum motor are energizedduring the unattended automatic cleanout mode of operation.